Packaging machine



Dec. 14, 1954 Ei M. ERVIN 2,695,778

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed May 22, 195o 4 sheets-Smm- 1 ff/ w 51 7% 75 fa w /0 Wa .25

W /aw y ATTORNEY Dec. 14, 1954 E. M. ERVIN 2,695,778

PAQKAGING MACHINE Filed May 22, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 14, 1954 EQM. ERVIN 2,696,778

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed lay 22, 1950 4 Sheb'ts-Sheet 3 /45 INVENTOR BY www, Ga@ M+ 0M ATTORNEY Dec. 14, 1954 E, M, ERvlN 2,696,778

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed May 22, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 1N VENTOR BY W, M,

ATTORNEY United States Patent() `2,696,778 PACKAGING MACHINE Evanderv M. Ervin, Florence, S. C.

Application May 22, 1950, Serial No. 163,559

13 Claims.' (Cl. 10d-27) This invention relates to a wrapping machine for applying an adhesive tape or binder to an object such as a`carton to strengthen and seal it, or to a number of separate objects to form them into a bundle. The invention relates more particularly to a wrapping machine lofthe type in which a source of supply of adhesive tape is supported adjacent the article or objects to be wrapped and'thereafter caused to move around the article or objects afterthe `free end of the tape has been secured theret'o.l

One of the purposes of the invention is to provide a Wrapping machine which is capable of applying an adhesive binding tape which is strong and Vdurable and which may, nevertheless, be applied and removed without damagingv the article or objects on which it is used. Another object of the invention is to provide a machine for bundling finished lumber such as furniture stock, oorin'g and the like, to facilitate the safe handling and transportation thereof, in a manner which permits the binding `to`be easily removed without the aid of tools Whenitis desired to break open the bundle.

Furtherand more specific objects of the invention include providing a wrapping machine having means for normally retaining an adhesive binding tape under tension while* it is being applied -in order'to form a firm bundle,`in combination with means for adhesively fixing the free end of the tape to the objects to be bundled, and I'means for relieving `the tension on the adhesive tape"until"su`ch time during the course of operation of the machine that tension yon the tape will not cause it to break loose" from the objects.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means of retaining an adhesive tape in position on a dispensing element to be subsequently wrapped aboutan object while the object is being placed in the machine, and means for severing the tape wrappedabout an object froml the supply thereof without displacing the ltape from its-operative position on the dispensing element. A further object is to provide a wrapping machine? 'employing adhesive tape which employs means for adhesively lixingthe free end'of the tape to the object to be wrapped at the beginning of the machine operation,` means' for tensioning the tape during a certain portion ofthe machineloperationi, and means' for carrying the' tape vsupply around the object to be wrapped in which' the proper sequential operation of all of said means is controlled by a rotating' drum arranged to govern the' operation of a power supply to said means. Furtherv objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description which is made with'reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:`

Figure' lis a rear elevational View showing the relative position ofthe dispensing element on the frame of the instant wrapping machine and al portion of the mechanism which drives the dispensing element and the means for controlling the sequential operations of the object positioning mechanism and the dispensing element;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view showing the relative'position o'f` the object positioning mechanism on the frame of the machine and control drum of the control mechanism;

Figure'34 is a top plan View of the dispensing arm of the dispensing element;

Figure 4 is a side elevational lview of the dispensing armof the dispensing mechanism illustrating the man-v ner i'nfvwhich the tackin'g mechanism, a vacuum mech- ACf:

anism for maintaining the adhesive tape in operative position on the dispensing armv and the tape cutting mechanism are supported on the arm;

Figure 5 illustrates the dispensing element at a point in its movement about an object being wrapped in which the adhesive tape being applied is being passed around a corner of the object;

Figure 6 is a perspective View of the control drum of the control mechanism and the control switches operated thereby showing the lugs carried on the peripheral surface of the drum which cause the cyclical operation of the switches;

Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of the control mechanism schematically illustrating some portions of the elements of the machine which are controlled thereby;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the adhesive tape supply and a portion of the dispensing arm through which the tape is passed to the dispensing surface of the arm illustratingthe manner in which the tape is drawn from the supply under tension in solid lines, and in dotted lines illustrating the manner in which the tape is withdrawn'from the roll when the tension is released;

Figure 9 is a view illustratingy the manner in which the tape dispensing element is supported on the frame of the machine;

Figure l0 is a partial sectional view on the line 10-10 of Figure l; and

Figure 1l is a `detailed sectional view through the rim of the control drum showing the manner in which the cam ring is adjustably supported on the drum.

In general the wrapping machine contemplated by the instant invention comprises a frame member which is provided with a platform for supporting an article or objects to be wrapped and means supported on the frame memberfor positioning such article or objects. There is also provided a dispensing element on which a supply of adhesive tapel is supported and means for driving the dispensing element so that the tape is carried around the article or, objects to be wrapped. Control means are provided which are designed and arranged to cause the desired sequential operation of the positioning means and the various component devices of the dispensing element which operate to tack the free end of the adhesive tape to the article or objects to be wrapped at the beginning of the Wrapping cycle, place the tape under tension necessary to secure a firm bundle or seal after the tape has been securely fixed, and which sever the dispensed tape from the supply thereof when the desired binding has been completed. l

One example of a machine of this type is illustrated in the drawings. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 it will be seen that the frame of the machine comprises a plate 20 which is supported in a vertical plane. The plate is provided with a centrally positioned circular aperture 22 which must be sufficiently large to pass articles or bundles of the size it is desired to wrap in the machine. A platform for supporting articles or objects to be wrapped is xed to the vertical frame member 20l on the front side of the machine and comprises a plate 24 having a horizontal flange 26 which extends perpendicularly to the plate 20 and terminates in a section 28 which is turned downwardly to form a surface for deflecting upwardly onto the surface of the platform any objects which are pressed toward the machine at a level lower than the surface of the platform. A guide member l30 is supported on the horizontal liange 26 of the platform member 24 and provided with a vertically disposed face plate 32 which also extends perpendicularly forward from the surface of the frame member 2i). The lower forward edge of the plate 32 is provided with an extension 34 which is turned away from the central aperture 22 to provide a deflecting apron. The guide member 30 is movable transversely on the flange 26 and may be secured in a selected position thereon by means of the fastening element 36 which is carried by the guide plate and extends through a slot 38 provided in the flange 26.

As shown in Figure 2, an object is positioned in the wrapping machine by pressing it firmly against the platform and against the face plate of the guide member by means of positioning mechanism P which include the plates 40 and 42. The object is initially placed so that a portion thereof extends through the aperture 22 into operative position with respect to a tape dispensing element D supported on the rear side of the frame 20. Accordingly, the position of the guide member 30 may be adjusted laterally on the ange 26 as necessary to position objects of different sizes in operative position with respect to the tape dispensing element to permit the dispensing element to function properly during the application of the tape to the object, and during the severing ofthe dispensed tape from the supply thereof.

The positioning mechanism which includes the plates 40, 42 comprises cylinders 44, 46 and pistons (not shown) to which are fixed the piston rods 48, 50. The plates 40, 42, respectively, are pivoted to the rods 48, 50. The plates 40, 42 are caused to move in object positioning direction by admitting compressed air to the cylinders 44, 46 behind the pistons therein. A source of compressed air is contained in the reservoir 52 and passes through the conduit 54, the regulator valve 56, the solenoid controlled air valve 58, the conduit 60 and the b ranch lines 62, 64 to the cylinders 44 and 46, respectively. The admission of air to the cylinders is controlled by the valve 58 which is connected into the control mechanism for the machine in a manner which causes it to operate the position mechanism and correctly position the object prior to the operation of the tape dispensing means. The manner in which this desired sequential operation of the positioning mechanism and the tape dispensing means is obtained will be described more fully hereinafter in connection with the control mechanism of the machine.

The dispensing means D comprises an annular member 66 which is vertically supported on the rear side of the frame member 20. One suitable means of supporting the annular member 66 on the frame member 20 is illustrated in Figure 9. As there shown, a ring a having substantially the same internal diameter as the internal diameter of the annular member 66 is iixed to the inner forward edge of the member 20. The inner surface of the ring a and the member 66 bear against and are supported by the outer surface of a brass ring b which is fixed to the rear side of the frame member by means of the bolts d. The ring b is provided With a circular, upstanding lip c which serves to restrain the annular member 66 against axial movement with respect to the ring b. lt will be understood, of course, that other means for rotatably supporting the annular member 66 on the rear side of the frame 20 may be employed.

The member b is provided with a central aperture which is coextensive with the aperture 22 of the frame member 20 and the annular member is supported on the frame so that the axes of the apertures coincide. A radially extending bracket 68 is fixed to the annular member 66 'and carries a supply of adhesive tape 74 supported on the drum 76. The drum is rotatably mounted on the pin 70 fixed to the bracket 68.

The free end of the supply of adhesive tape is passed through and disposed on the surface of a dispensing arm 78. The dispensing arm 78 is pivotally supported on the member 66 at 80 so that the surface supporting the tape underlies the object 0 to be wrapped which partially extends through the aperture 22 and the central aperture of the member 66. When the machine is being employed to wrap a rectangular obiect, such as the bundle of a number of pieces of lumber as shown in Figures l, 2 and 5. it is preferable to arrange the initial position of the dispensing arm so that a portion of the surface of the arm bears flush against one side of the obiect as illustrated in Figure l. as this facilitates the operation of a tacking means indicated generally at 82 which adhesively fixes the free end of the adhesive tape to the object to be wrapped at the beginning of the machines cycle. After the free end of the tape has been fixed to the object the dispensing means is caused to rotate and thereby draw tape from the supply 74 and wrap it about the object. At the end of more than one complete revolution of the dispensing means the dispensed tape is severed from the supply thereof by a cutting means indicated generally at 84. The free end of the supply from which the dispensed tape has been severed is retained in position on the dispensing arm for subsequent operation by means of the Vacuum device indicated generally at 86. The arrangement illustrated in the drawings is such that the dispensing means continues to rotate after the severing of the dispensed tape until it reaches its initial position illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, it will be seen that the tacker mechanism for lixing the free end of the tape to the object to be wrapped at the beginning of the machine cycle includes a block 88 which is pivoted at 90 to one end of a link 92 so that the block may be moved upwardly through a square aperture in the dispensing arm 78. The tape disposed on the dispensing arm 78 in operative position oyerlies the square aperture so that upward movement of the block 88 will cause the tape to be pressed upwardly from the surface of the dispensing arm against the object to be wrapped. The link 92 is pivoted at 94 to a small bracket which depends from the arm 78. Intermediate the pivots 90, 94 the armature of a solenoid 96 is fixed to the arm 92 so that when the solenoid is energized the arm 92 is pivoted about the point 94 and the block 88 is caused to move upwardly and strike the adhesive tape disposed on the surface of the arm against the object to be wrapped and adhesively fix the tape thereto. The manner in which the solenoid 96 is operated in timed relation with the other component devices of the dispensing means and the positioning mechanism will be described later in more detail in connection with the control mechanism for the machine. Here, it is suificient to note that the tacking mechanism is operated at the beginning of the machine cycle.

In order to form a secure bundle or to effect a iirm seal of a number of objects or on a carton by wrapping the adhesive tape about them, it is necessary to place the tape under tension as it is being drawn around the objects or carton. Such tension of the tape is effected by means of a brake band 98 which partially encircles the drum 76 on which the reel of tape is supported. The brake 98 is normally applied to restrain the drum 76 and thus place the tape dispensed from the supply 74 under tension. It is necessary, however, to release the tension on the tape at the beginning of the movement of the dispensing means so that the free end of the tape adhesively tacked to the object being wrapped by the device 82 will not be broken loose therefrom as the member 66 carrying the tape supply begins its tape dispensing movement. To effect such release of tension the solenoid 100 is connected to the link 102 which is provided with a wedging block 104 positioned between the terminal parallel ends 106, 108 of the brake 98 so as to cause the brake to be released when the solenoid 100 is energized at the beginning of the machine cycle. It will be observed that prior to the release of the brake the adhesive tape was dispensed from the supply roll thereof relatively tangentially as illustrated in solid lines in Figure 8. When the brake is released, however, the supply roll 74 may rotate freely and the initial movement of the dispensing means will cause the point at which the dispensed strand of tape leaves the supply roll to move to the dotted line position without stripping more tape from the roll. The supply roll is so positioned and is of such a minimum diameter that the free movement of the dispensed strand of tape from the solid line to the dotted line position in Figure 8 provides sufficient slack to permit the dispensing means sufficient angular movement so that when the tension is again applied to the tape the direction of the pull on the tape is not in the plane of the surface to which the tape was adhesively fixed by the operation of the tacker 82. This prevents the tape from breaking loose from the object to which it has been adhesively tacked when the tension necessary to form a firm bundle or seal is again applied. Such tension is applied when the dispensing means is rotated to an inwardly extending pin 102:1 fixed to the end of the point where the link 102 contacts the cam plate 123 fixed to the frame 20 and acts to return the link 102 to its normal brake applying position. The position of the extension 102a relative to the annular member 66 and the frame member 20 is shown in Figure l0.

The arm 78 is provided with upstanding apertured lugs 110 on the tape supporting surface thereof so that the pivot point 80 of the arm may be shifted transversely to adapt the machine to act on articles or objects of varying sizes. The adjustment of the transverse position of the arm 78 is accompanied by a corresponding adjustment of the guide 30 of the positioning mechanism. Compression spring 112 abuts a plate 114 ixed to the rear surface of the member 66 and the right hand end of the arm 78, as viewed in Figure l, to maintain the arm in its initial position flush against the under side of an object to be wrapped and permits the arm to yieldingly pivot about ti e point 80 as the arm is drawn across the edges `of an object' being wrapped by the tape dispensing movement of the member 66.

The cutter mechanism which operates to sever the dispensed portion of the tape from the supply thereof when a complete binding has been effected comprises the motor 116 which is fixed to a yoke 118 pivoted at 120 to the under side of the dispensing arm V78. rThe motor shaft 122 carries a cutting blade 124 which is arranged to move upwardly through the aperture 124 in the dispensing arm to sever the tape supported thereon when the lower end of the yoke to which the motor is fixed is moved to the right as viewed in Figures l and 4. This movement which brings the cutting blade 124 to cutting position is obtained by'energizing the solenoid 126 which has an armature link 128 fixed to the lower portion of the yoke 118. It is obvious that the cutting mechanism could be arranged so that the blade thereof `could be moved to tape severing position Without movement of the driving means, and that other types of tape severing means would be equally satisfactory.

It will be seen that the operation of the cutting device must occur when the tape is lying over the aperture 124 and when this apertured portion of the arm is not bearing against the object being wrapped, as otherwise either the cutting blade 124 would not contact the tape, or the cutting blade would damage the object. This condition is obtained during the portions of the cycle of the movement of the dispensing means about the object immediately after the aperture 124 has been drawn across the corner of a rectangular object' as illustrated in Figure 5. In that position the cutting blade may be moved upwardly through the aperture 124 to sever the tape without having the cutting blade contact the object. The control mechanism for obtaining the desired sequential operation of the component parts of the dispensing mechanism is such that the time of occurrence of the operation of the cutting means may be selected so that its operation occurs under the condition described above, as will hereinafter be described in more detail. The tape severing operation may be madeto occur at any point in the cycle when objects of circular cross-section are being wrapped since the prescribed conditions exist at all times.

It is desirable to have the adhesive binding tape under tension toward the completion of the binding operation but due to the resiliency of the tape it will snap' away from its position above the tacker head when the dispensed portion is severed from the supply and the free end of the supply will not be fixed to the next object inserted in the machine for the succeeding wrapping operation. This is prevented and the tape is retain'edin its operative position' on the dispensing arm after being severed under tension by retaining means whichinclude a pawl 130 having a serrated edge 132 which bears against the tape passed beneath the pawl so that' the tape can be freelv dispensed but cannot retreat toward the supply thereof. The retaining means also includes the vacuum mechanism 86, which comprises a Hexible hose 134 which communicates with a plurality of perforations 136 provided in the dispensing arm intermediate the aperture 126 and the tacker block 88. The source of vacuum developed by an impeller 138 fixed to the shaft of the motor 116 is communicated through the hose 134 to the perforations 136. The vacuum applied to the under side of the tape disposed above the perforations 136 prevents the free end from lifting away from the surface of the dispensing arm when the dispensed part of the tape is severed by the cutter' mov ing upwardly through the aperture 126. The free end of the tape'thus overlies the tacker head 88 in position to be adhesively fixed to an object to be wrapped during a succeeding cycle of the machine. 142 are disposed parallel to one `another on either side of the tacker head aperture and the perforations 136 and prevent the tape from being displaced from its operative' position when an obiect to be wrapped is inserted into the machine and one portion thereof is moved across the surface of the dispensing arm on which the tape is supported.

The driving mechanism for the dispensing means/comprises a motor 144 which drives the shaft 145 by means of af'ch'ainand sprocket' connection. A ring gear 1`4'6 Guides 140,

6 having?external teeth i. which are engaged by the chain 147 is xed to the side of the member 66 facing the frame member 20. The chain 147 passes over-a sprocket wheel 148 fixed to the shaft 145 whereby rotation ofthe member 66 is obtained when the motor 144 is operated.

A control mechanism is provided which acts-tofcause the desired sequential operation of the component devices of the mechanism previously described. After the object or article to befwrapped is inserted in the machine witha portion of it overlying the dispensing arm 76 and the machine is started,4 the control mechanism first causes the positioning mechanism to be operated so that the article or object is properly presented to the tape dispensing means.- At the same time the tacker mechanism is operated to fixY the free end of the tape to the object or article. Thereafterth'e driving motor is started and the rotation of the dispensing means initiated.` At this time a control drum 150 is rotated through the drivingconnections comprising the chain 152, the sprockets 154, 156 secured to the shaft 15S and the chain 160 whichpasses around the sprocket 156 and the sprocket 162 fixed to the shaft 164 on which the control d'r'um is supported. The control drum causes a selec'tiveoperation of switches which act to energize thel solenoids controlling the tacker mechanism andtape drum brake. The rotary movement of the controldrum'also operates similar switches which control the cutter mechanism and whichl stop the machine when the wrapping cycle has been completed.l

Figure 7 of the' drawings schematically illustrates a control mechanism of the type outlined above. A source of powerl is applied to a conventional magnetic switch 166 through the leads 168. A circuit through the holding-in coil 170 of the switch comprises a starting button 172 of the type that remains in closed position so long as current is flowing in the circuit, a stop button 174, and a normally closed switch 176 which is'provided with a cam `follower 178. When the circuit to the holding-in coil is completed by depressing the starting button 172 the solenoid 58 is energized and acts to open the air valve which then admits compressed air to the cylinders 44, 46. This causes the plates 40, 42 to move toward the guide 30- and platform 26, respectively, to position the objectin the machine. The movement o'f the plate 42 can be delayed until the movement of the plate 40 is substantially completed by employing springs 180 fixed to the plate 42 which are stronger than the springs 182 fixed to the plate40. After the pressure has builtnp' suiciently inthe cylinders to move the plates 40, 42 to position the article or object to be wrapped, the pressure from the source52 iscommunicated through a conduit 184 to a pressure switch 186 which is then operated to energize Vthe holding-in coil 187 of the magnetic switch'190. When the switch 190 is thus closed the sourceof power is applied to the motor 144 to ini'- tiate the rotation of the tape 'dispensing means and the control drum. As thev tape must be wrapped around a'n obiectmore than' one 'complete revolution in order to secureastrong binding, the cutting` of the dispensed tape from the supply thereof is delayed until the dispensing means has accomplished more than one complete revo; lution about the article being wrapped.` It is desirable, however, 'to return' the dispensing 'arm to` itsinitial position before terminating the machines cycle. Accordi ingly, the drivin-g connection between the motor and the dispensing means 'and the control drum are such that the disnens'ing'means is' carried through two complete revolutions'toone revolution ofthe control drum 150. Accordingly, a lug 200 positioned on the control drum inthe' path ofthe cam follower 178 of the cut-off switch 176' will 'o'penthe' switch 176 at'the end of one complete revolution of' the control drum' at which time the dispensing arm will be returned to its initial' position as shown'i'n' Figure l.

The surface of the control-drum also carries a lug 202 which acts 'to close the normally open switch 204 when the camr'oller'2tl6 thereof surmounts the lug. The switch 204 controls a circuit comprising thev solenoid 96 ofthe tacker mechanism so' that the tacker is operated to adhesivelyfixI the free end of the dispensed tape to the object being wrapped prior to the beginning of the rotary movement of the dispensing means. Thisl circuit is completed through slip rings 208 fixed to the member 66 and brushes 210 of conventional design. In the embodiment illustrated-in the drawings the switch 204 also completes the circuit to the solenoid 100 which acts to release the tape brake 98 at the time the tacking mechanism is operated so that the free end of the tape applied to the object by the tacking device is not dislodged therefrom.

A switch 212, which is normally open, completes a circuit to the solenoid 126 of the cutter` mechanism when the cam roller 214 rides over the lug 216 also carried on the circumferential surface of the control drum 150. Lug 216 is fixed to a ring 218 which is received in a circumferentially extending recess in the surface of the drum 150. A releasable set screw 219 extending through a radially disposed threaded aperture in the ring 218 and abutting the bottom surface of the recess in which the ring is received may be employed to releasably fix the ring in any selected position with respect to the drum 150. This is shown most clearly in Figure 11. The ring 218 carrying the lug may be positioned circumferentially on the drum to cause the cutter mechanism to operate at a selected time in the machine cycle as may be necessary for accomplishing the desired amount of wrapping or in adjusting the machine to wrap articles or objects of different sizes.

The control drum 150 is rotated clockwise as viewed in Figures 6 and 7 and in its initial position the cam follower 178 of the switch 176 is immediately behind the lug 200 so that the switch 176 is closed. The cam follower 206 of the switch 204 is resting on the lug 202 when the drum is in its initial position. It will be observed, however, that the lug 202 is positioned so that the cam follower 206 will not reach the lug until the machine has been disconnected from the source of power by the operation of switch 176 by the lug 200. The inertia of the machine is sulcient to carry the lug 200 beneath the roller 178 and clear of it after the switch 176 has operated to cut off the supply of power. This inertia impelled movement is sufficient to cause the lug 202 to move beneath the roller 296 and close the switch 204 when the machine is in its rest position. Accordingly, as soon as the circuit to the holding-in coil 170 is completed the tacking mechanism is operated. When the control drum 150 has made a complete revolution and broken the circuit through the holding-in coil 170, the starting switch 172 opens. After the lug 200 has passed clear of the cam roller 178 to again close the switch 176 the machine is again restored to its initial condition and is ready for a subsequent wrapping operation.

Various other modifications and changes in the specic embodiment described above will occur to those skilled in the art and are contemplated within the scope of the invention as deiincd in the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A wrapping machine comprising means for positioning therein an object to be wrapped, a supply of adhesive tape, means for dispensing the tape, said tape dispensing means comprising an annular member, anlarm supported on said member having one end yieldingly urged toward the aperture of said annular member, the free end of said adhesive tape being supported on said arm, said object positioning means being arranged to support said object within the aperture of said annular member, and means for rotating said annular member around said object to cause said tape to be wrapped around said object.

2. A wrapping machine comprising means for positioning therein an object to be wrapped, a supply of adhesive tape, means for dispensing the tape, said tape dispensing means comprising an annular member, an arm supported on said member having one end yieldingly urged toward the aperture of said annular member, the free end of said adhesive tape being supported on said arm, said object positioning means being arranged to support said object within the aperture of said annular member, means for rotating said annular member around said object to cause said tape to be wrapped around said object, means for normally holding the tape under tension, means for xing the free end of the tape to said object, means for temporarily releasing the said holding means, and means for operating the two last named means toward the beginning of the rotary movement of said tape dispensing means.

3. A Wrapping machine as claimed in claim l in which said supply of tape is in the form of a roll, braking means for normally retarding the rotation of the said roll to place the tape under tension, means operative to adhesively tack the free end of the tape supported on said arm to said object, means for releasing the said braking means, and means for operating both of said last named means at the beginning of the rotary movement of said tape dispensing means.

4. A wrapping machine as claimed in claim 3 in which the free end of the tape supported on said arm extends from said supply roll through a slot provided in said arm, the said roll being positioned with respect thereto so that the point on the periphery of the roll at which the tape leaves the roll when said braking means is applied is more distant from said slot than the point at which the tape leaves the roll when said braking means is released.

5. A wrapping machine as claimed in claim 4 in which the said arm is provided with a perforation extending through the surface thereof on which said free end of the said tape is supported, and in which a source of reduced pressure is supplied to said perforation, whereby the portion of the tape overlying the perforation would be retained on the surface of the said arm.

6. A wrapping machine as claimed in claim 5 comprising means for cutting said tape operative after completion of more than one revolution of said annular member.

7. A wrapping machine as claimed in claim 6 in which said cutting means is supported on said arm and includes a rotatable shaft, said shaft supporting the tape engaging element of said cutting means and an impeller for developing said source of reduced pressure.

8. A wrapping machine of the type having means for carrying a supply of adhesive tape around an object to which the free end of the tape is adapted to be xed, a means for normally retaining the tape under tension, means for adhesively tacking the free end of the tape to said object at the beginning of a wrapping operation, and means for severing a length of tape wrapped around said object from the supply thereof, in combination with a rotatable control drum, and means supported on said drum for controlling the operations of said carrying means, said retaining means and said severing means.

9. A wrapping machine comprising means for carrying a supply of adhesive tape around an object to which the free end of the tape is adapted to be xed, a motor driving said carrying means, a switch for braking the source of power to said motor, a means for normally retaining said tape under tension, a solenoid operatively connected to said retaining means to release the same, means for adhesively tacking the free end of said tape to said object at the beginning of a wrapping operation, a solenoid operatively connected to said tacking means, a means for severing a length of tape wrapped around said object from the supply thereof, a solenoid operatively connected to said severing means, connections between a source of electrical power and all said solenoids, switches in each said connection, a rotatable control drum, and switch controlling means on said control drum positioned to operate all said switches in the course of a revolution of the drum.

l0. A wrapping machine as claimed in claim 9 in which said switch controlling means on said control drum comprises lugs extending radially from the circumferential surface of said drum, and in which the lug controlling the switch of said severing means solenoid is movable circumferentially on said drum, whereby the time of occurrence of operation of said severing means can be varied with respect to the time of occurrence of the op eration of the remainder of said switch controlled means.

l1. In a wrapping machine of the type having means for supporting a supply of adhesive tape and for carrying the tape around an object to be wrapped after the free end of the supply of tape has been iixed to the object, a dispensing arm mounted on said tape supply supporting means for winding the said adhesive tape onto said object, a portion of said tape dispensed from said supply being supported on a surface of said arm, resilient means iixed to said arm to maintain the said surface partially in contact with said object during a part of the operation of the machine, a tape cutting means for severing dispensed tape from the supply thereof, said cutting means being positioned with respect to said arm and operated to cut a portion of the tape lying on said arm out of contact with said object.

12. In a wrapping machine of the type having means for supporting a supply of adhesive tape and for carrying the tape around an object to be wrapped, means for adhesively fixing the free end of said supply of tape to said object at the start of the operation of the machine, means for normally holding the tape under tension during the operation of the machine, and means for temporarily releasing the said tape tensioning means at the start of the operation of the machine.

13. A Wrapping machine as claimed in claim 1l in which said dispensing arm is provided with an aperture, and a source of reduced pressure communicating with said aperture, said aperture being positioned adjacent the point at which said cutting means severs said tape ntermediate the said point of cutting and said supply of tape.

References Cited in the file of this patent Number 5 989,020 1,490,680 2,269,621 2,318,316

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain Aug. 26, 1936 

